Maybe you don’t judge a book by it’s cover, but I do. There are times I may be missing out, but most times, a cover says a lot about the book.

When I saw Hiding Heidi by Fiona Woodcock, I knew I would fall in love with the pages inside. A beautifully illustrated book with textures and a color palette that add to the sweetness of the story. Fiona’s pencil quality along with charcoal, and stamps she has beautifully collaged and brought together create a unique style all of her own. Visually appealing to the young and young at heart.

You will enjoy seeking and finding Heidi, you might also find yourself wishing for Heidi’s wardrobe. Fiona’s writing makes for a perfect picture book, children will want to read it over and over because Heidi is clever at hiding in the most beautiful and lively places.

Heidi’s epiphany comes when she invites her friends to her party, and hides a little too well. Her friend’s have a great time enjoying the party with out her.

A book that teaches a subtle lesson about sharing and taking turns. A great book to add to your library. We are patiently waiting and watching to see what Fiona has in store for her future books. follow her here.

Having two fairy children means we spend a lot of time wandering around searching for magic. Indeed, rainbows are high on the list of coveted finds and the story, The Girl Who Made Rainbows by Peter Warrington, Rachel Williams and Robyn Chiles doesn’t fail to deliver. The story follows a little girl as she searches her busy city for rainbows, which can be found anywhere, you just need to look. Magical, beautiful and inspiring, this Australian made picture book delivers a perfect story for budding artists and dreamers.

I first purchased this book, The First Thanksgiving, when my oldest children were quite young, and it is still a favorite we read again together each year. Although beautifully and simply told, it is not a sugar-coated version of this pilgrimage. Jean Craighead George, the author of two more favorite children’s books Julie of the Wolves and My Side of the Mountain, gives an honest and artful voice to the hardships endured both by the pilgrims and the Native American tribes in this read. Gently, she introduces more complex topics into the story of this feast, such as the freedom of religion, the freedom of a person (European slave trade), the Plague, life aboard a transatlantic ship, establishing agricultural life, and of course Squanto’s peaceful help in these settlements–giving more context to this intermingled, multi-day feast we now call Thanksgiving.

The First Thanksgiving is a broad picture of this bit of history more than anything, an introduction to early colonial America, a springboard for other reading and learning and conversation. As it is a picture book, the illustrations carry their own part of the story as well–gorgeous, emotional paintings of dark stormy seas, lonely Squanto in the colorful woods, the Mayflower, and the golden harvest and feast to name a few. They are excellent fodder for budding artists to copy.

Naturally, we cannot discuss every topic thoroughly each year. This is the joy of returning to this window in American history again annually. When my children were quite young, I may have simply read the story aloud while they played on the floor around me. Some years we have added a project, and other years, we may have simply discussed it. As my children and their context for history grow, our discussions do, too. This is one of my favorite parts of parenting.

This year, as we are re-reading this story together, each is doing their own project with it. One of my children created simple models of the pilgrim ships using clay, small craft sticks, and paper. While the other three illustrated from the book or from their own imagination with pencil or watercolors.

I am adding more writing this year, too. The older boys will write a summary paper, possibly including a bit from other history readings since we’ve been studying some early American history this fall. My oldest daughter, who is still learning about paragraphing and summarizing, will narrate the story to me, which I will write down, and she will copy on her own. My youngest, who is still an early writer, will copy one to two sentences from the story itself. Although the specifics may vary year to year, sharing the origin of Thanksgiving with my children during this season helps deepen both our understanding and gratitude.

Some people may have wondered (especially at this time of year), if this was the work of something spooky? But not clever Georgia here!

”When the house was strewn with webs in every corner, all around, the culprit was just over there, scuttling away along the ground.”

The astute little Georgia has it figured out as to what can be causing the mischief going on around her house. Or so she thought …

”Even shadows and strange noises she noticed late at night, could be explained away simply by using a torch light.” …

”Because surely, absolutely, unquestionably, we all know… there’s just no such thing as ghosts!”

Beautifully illustrated by Ella Bailey, this story is great for Primary School age to read. For your little ones in Kindergarten you can read along and enjoy a spooky ghost hunt searching each page for the mischievous little ghosts hiding out on each page.

The most engaging book we’ve enjoyed in a while, with so much interest within each illustration it will never get tiresome. The beautiful use of descriptive text will introduce your little ones to terms that aren’t often used in children’s books, opening their imagination and expanding their vocabulary. We love this book.

The moment we laid eyes on The Book with No Pictures by B. J. Novak we knew it was perfect. Filled with silly sounds and a ridiculous read aloud story for adults to amuse their little people with, the book keeps kids rolling with laughter and makes grown-ups feel silly and refreshed!

With silly words like Blerg and Blork dominating this read aloud book, noone listening can keep from smiling. Far from boring and dry, The Book With No Pictures shows the power of words to capture imaginations. With goofiness as the focus, it is a must own for all families with the need to smile a bit (especially at bedtime!)

Edie and I were super lucky to have got our hands on a copy of the first book written by the talented illustrator David Litchfield.

We sat out in the early evening sunshine to read The Bear And The Piano. The large pages sweeping open onto dramatic scenes. David’s illustrations have a very distinctive style, his use of mixed media and colour create beautiful illustrations with intricate detail and real depth. Each time we’ve read this story Edie has noticed a beautiful little butterfly in the woods, or a quirky expression on a bear hidden deep in the crowd, that she hadn’t noticed the times before.

Follow this little bear as he embarks on a journey that whisks him off to fame and riches on Broadway. when he realises that where he feels the richest, is at home with his friends, who have a surprise waiting for him.

”until eventually…

The sounds that came from the strange thing were beautiful, and the bear had grown big and strong and grizzly.”

This is a beautiful story of dreams and friendships. A great bedtime read, or the perfect story to share some peaceful downtime time with your Babiekins.

The noise as he turns the huge rough pages. The smell, new crisp edges. He loves the whole new experience of a new book. Our latest, I’ve had my eye on for a while. Professor Astro Cat’s Frontiers Of Space.

”Our Universe is very complicated, and many scientists spend their entire lives trying to unravel its greatest secrets – in fact, many of these secrets are yet to be uncovered. But don’t worry, Professor Astro is here to help, and I am just about the cleverest alley cat you’ll ever meet! So batten down the hatches and buckle up. It’s time to blast off and discover Professor Astro Cat’s Frontiers of Space!”.

Space is a hugely in-depth subject. The plain speaking of the text remains scientific and accurately written in a tone that makes for achievable reading for Euan. The facts blow his mind, the leading questions of the mysteries of life in the unknown excite him. His imagination triggered at the thought of what lies out there and what could be.

With ”Factoroids” that cover everything from the Universe, the Moon and the Stars to Rockets, Space Stations and the potential future of space travel… space rides in elevator’s and wormholes anyone?

”There are still many mysteries out there waiting to be solved in the great depths of space, and with each discovery will come just as many new questions. So now, my friends, this curious cat has to shoot off and see what he can find! …. Perhaps one day you’ll venture into the stars in your own spaceship and help solve the mysteries at the frontiers of space.”

I adore the colour palette used in the illustrations. Not only does it look great it’s detailed without being overwhelming this book will indefinitely grow with Euan and will serve as a great reference book in his school years.

Right now? He’s talking about how one day he’s going to space in an elevator.

“Strong women. May we know them. May we raise them. May we be them.” – Unknown

Frida Kahlo endured many setbacks in life, yet she always found a zest for life. A way to celebrate and relate through her pain using art. Frida loved children and wanted them dearly, so a picture book, I imagine would have made her heart sing.

The care and beauty that went into this book is breathtaking. Yuyi Morales created a Frida puppet and used her to create each beautiful scene. There is such care in every detail from her pets to her wardrobe.

The beauty and celebration of Frida isn’t the only reason to love this book, it’s also bilingual.